There are some places that you’d really love to go to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. The forests around Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor, Malaysia is one such place. The lush green forest has its serenity broken only by the rustle of water flowing downstream in the river. Located in this jungle is a small boutique hotel, The Sticks. It is an ideal place to detoxify yourself from the constant noise of the city and internet connectivity.
Why should you stay at The Sticks?
Unlike other traditional hotels where your luggage is safely secured onto your room, here you have to take it along a few flights of moss ridden steps, across a hanging bridge and finally onto your room. Although the little trek might be a bit exhausting but the clear jungle air helps calm you down. The resort is run by the Gan couple and both of them have perfected the art of hospitality.
The rooms and the common area
Located in the forest, the rooms are bamboo huts covered by a thatch roof. The accommodation is classically spartan with a bathroom that gives you a feel of bathing in the forest itself. One of the most authentic Malay cultural remnants is the small bucket of water left outside to wash your feet before entering.
The whole of the property is centred around the central dining area where all the talking and drinking takes place. Set in a casual vibe, it has tree stumps, hammocks along with the good old chairs. Wooden tables sprout out in between with a splattering of colours in the form of cushions. I spent my afternoons lazing in the hammock watching the sun set in the horizon.
Activities at The Sticks
The evenings and the early mornings are perfect for a dip in the chilly waters of the river. But one activity that gave me the most satisfaction was walking around the trail that borders the property. It is filled with quite a few chirping birds and naughty monkeys. I draw my lungs full of the fresh air and instantly feel my sinuses clearing out. You can also do a plethora of adventure activities nearby in the district of KKB with paragliding, white water rafting and taking the top honours. I’ll be mentioning them in detail in another blog post.
Food at The Sticks
Dinner at The Sticks was one of the most sumptuous I have experienced in a long time. Uncle Rubin cooked up an extensive barbeque which had beef, chicken, squid, calamari and some super fresh prawns. It was served on a traditional coconut leaf along with a plethora of sauces to keep munching along with some local Malaysian beer. This night barbeque is a daily feature and you can order what your likes are. The lunch is also quite tasty with a plethora of Malay food on the table with the roast chicken taking the centre piece.
The Sticks is one of the most beautiful places to stay while in Malaysia. The deep forest cover offers you a break away from the noise of city life and you can enjoy serenity in a never before seen manner. If you’re getting bored, the adventure activities makes sure you’re never out of moments to remember.
How to reach?
The Sticks is about 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). You can visit their website here.
